Rwanda National Police

Three people are held at Remera Police Station for allegedly selling and buying liquor to under aged children.
 
The trio include the proprietor of La Poete bar in Nyarutarama-Gasabo district, Eugine Gashagaza, his bar attendant, Agnes Uwamariya and another man, who was found at the same hangout buying liquor to a 17-year old girl.
 
This followed a complaint filed by parents over the bar’s illegal acts.
 
Police then conducted an operation that led to the arrest of the trio.
 
Article 217 of the new penal code defines a child as “every human being aged under eighteen years unless otherwise provided by the law.
 
The Central Region Police Spokesperson, SSP Urbain Mwiseneza challenged parents to always watch over their children.
 
“People should know that giving alcoholic drinks to under aged children is a crime and against the law. Children should be prevented from anything that might cut short their future, which can also affect the country as they are considered as future leaders,” he stated.
 
Article 219 of the penal code stipulates that any person who offers or sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco to a child or involves his or her in the sale of such products shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of at least three months but less than six months and a fine of Rwf300, 000 to Rwf1 million or one of these penalties.
 
These penalties also apply to any person who encourages a child to drink alcoholic beverages or to smoke or to go to bars.